Mondo grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens')
Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens' offers jet-black, grass-like foliage. This Mondo grass variety excels as a low-maintenance ground cover in shady spots.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The striking beauty of Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ lies in its almost entirely black, linear foliage, making it one of the most dramatic, grass-like perennials available. Commonly known as Black Mondo grass, this specimen provides intense contrast against lighter-colored stone or rich green plantings. It forms slowly spreading clumps, establishing itself as a superb textural element in the landscape.
As an herbaceous perennial, Mondo grass is valued for its year-round presence in warmer climates, offering consistent color interest even when other plants are dormant. While it requires medium maintenance and prefers consistent moisture, its slow, deliberate spread makes it controllable for borders, edgings, and intricate ground cover designs.
Gardeners seek out Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ specifically for its ability to thrive where many other dark-leafed plants struggle, offering flair even in partial shade. Its dramatic color potential is maximized when placed in sunny locations, though this must be balanced with its moisture requirements.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Asparagaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.75-1 ft
- Spread: 0.75-1 ft
- Bloom Time: July to August
- Bloom Description: Pink
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
For optimal results, Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ should be planted in the spring or fall, ensuring it establishes well before temperature extremes hit. It thrives best in rich, fertile, humusy soil that is slightly acidic. Crucially, the soil must be consistently moist but possess excellent drainage; standing water will quickly damage the roots of this Mondo grass variety.
Watering should be regular during the growing season, as this plant prefers soils that do not dry out completely. While it adapts to full sun, which deepens the black coloring, placing it in part shade can help retain necessary moisture, especially in hotter regions. Be mindful that plants in the northern reaches of Zone 6 might require protection to ensure winter survival.
Maintenance is generally low once established, though divisions can be made to propagate the clumps, which spread slowly over time. For a sweeping ground cover effect, spacing plants about 4 inches apart is recommended for quick coverage. Foliage is evergreen in milder zones, though some winter depreciation may occur in colder sections of its hardiness range.
Landscape Uses
Mondo grass is frequently employed as a low-maintenance, ornamental, grass-like ground cover, particularly favored for providing dark accents in shady areas. Its uniform texture and color make it an excellent choice for defining the fronts of borders or lining walkways where a sharp edge is desired.
Consider using Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ to create striking ribbon borders interspersed with textural greens or silver-leaved companions. It performs beautifully along stream banks or pond margins, leveraging its need for consistent moisture. The tufts of nearly black leaves provide year-round visual structure in rock gardens or shaded foundation plantings.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Insignificant
Noteworthy Characteristics
Ophiopogon planiscapus, commonly called mondo grass or lily turf, is a tuberous-rooted, often stoloniferous, grass-like perennial of the lily family. It typically grows in slowly spreading clumps to 8-12” tall. This is a stemless plant featuring narrow, linear, deep green, basal leaves which appear in arching, slowly-spreading clumps rising to 8-12” tall. Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’, commonly called black mondo grass or black lily-turf, is most noted for producing narrow, linear, grass-like, blackish-purple leaves which appear in arching clumps rising to 6-8” tall. This cultivar may have the blackest foliage of any perennial, with leaves appearing almost black in many lighting situations.
Tolerances
- Drought
Potential Problems
This plant generally avoids serious insect or disease issues, a significant benefit for low-maintenance gardens. The chief concern when growing Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ relates to its winter hardiness, particularly in the cooler end of its listed zones, such as Zone 6. In areas subject to harsh freezes, the foliage may suffer significant decline or damage.
To mitigate winter stress, ensure plants are sited in a protected location, perhaps near a sheltered wall or under the canopy of larger protective shrubs. Providing a heavy layer of mulch applied after the ground freezes can help insulate the root crowns throughout the coldest months, protecting the evergreen nature of this superb Mondo grass.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Mondo grass suitable for?
Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 6 through 9. Gardeners in the northern part of Zone 6 should plan for winter protection.
How large does Mondo grass grow?
At full maturity, this plant generally reaches a height between 0.75 and 1 foot, with a comparable spread of 0.75 to 1 foot, forming turf-like clumps.
What sun exposure does Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ need?
It tolerates a range from full sun to part shade. Note that the black foliage color develops best when exposed to more sun, provided adequate moisture is maintained.
When does Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ bloom?
Bloom time occurs mid-summer, specifically from July through August, producing delicate pink flowers atop leafless stems.
Conclusion
The unparalleled, deep black foliage of Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ makes it an invaluable architectural plant for adding dramatic contrast to any landscape design. This Mondo grass variety offers textural richness and low stature, serving perfectly as an elegant border or accent. Before planting, always verify that your garden resides within USDA Zones 6-9 and commit to providing the medium, consistent moisture this stunning perennial requires.
Companion Planting for Contrast
Mondo grass thrives alongside plants that offer contrasting textures or light colors, which helps the black foliage of Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’ truly pop. Consider pairing it with light green Hakonechloa (Japanese Forest Grass) or pale hostas, which thrive in similar shady, moist conditions. Its fine texture also serves as an excellent foil for broad-leafed shade perennials like Heuchera in shades of lime or chartreuse. Avoid planting near aggressive spreaders, as the slow growth rate of Mondo grass can be easily overwhelmed.
Propagation Tips
The primary method for increasing your stock of this desirable cultivar is division. Since Ophiopogon planiscapus develops into slowly spreading clumps over time, mature clumps can be carefully dug up in the early spring before active growth begins, or in early fall. Cut the clump into smaller sections using a sharp spade or knife, ensuring each division has a healthy cluster of roots and emerging shoots. Replant the divisions immediately into prepared, humusy soil at the correct depth to maintain the plant’s established height.
